ECO Church News No. 160 Living Alongside Bats in Churches Grant

I mentioned in January how the Bat Conservation Trust, the Church of England, Natural England, Churches Conservation Trust and Historic England have come together to offer places of worship in England the opportunity to apply for the new Living Alongside Bats in Churches Grant Fund.

Here are more details:

What could the grant be used for
Places of worship in England are invited to apply for a small grant which should be spent on a smallscale solution that will help manage the bats in their building, such as;
• seasonal professional cleans
• pew covers
• catch trays
• modern cleaning appliances
• specialist heritage repairs of bat damaged items

The fund should help protect heritage and offer a clean space for communities to use.

Please note, the grant cannot be used to cover the costs of building works, bat surveys, or any other building work or material related costs.

Requirements of the grant
To receive the grant, your place of worship needs to demonstrate a “positive community engagement activity inspired by nature.” You may use some of the funding to hold the community engagement activity.

Examples of Nature Inspired Community Events:
Organise a Bat Walk, Bat Evening or Bat Survey

Make your churchyard more wildlife friendly Here are some ways to encourage bats and other wildlife into your churchyard:

• Extend the flowering season to make sure there is food from early spring to late Autumn
• Plant nectar-rich plants, trees and shrubs, and pale, night-scented flowers which will attract insects at night.
• Build a bug hotel.
• Leave a patch of grass uncut and turn it into a wildflower meadow.
• Provide a variety of plant heights and flower shapes to create structure.
• Let your garden go a little wild and avoid bringing chemicals in

Area: Your place of worship must be in England.
Fund size: Up to £1000
Length of grants: Projects need to be completed within 12 months of receiving the money.

Please monitor this website for opening and closing dates. The scheme runs twice a year. The next round will open in Spring 2025. Go to https://www.bats.org.uk/ for details.